American Idol Finds Its Third Judge. Are You Wild About Harry?

August 31, 2013 by Masterclass Lady 11 Comments


20130831-163159.jpgPicture Credit: Fox
So, after months of topsy-turvy deliberations, American Idol has finally announced that Harry Connick Jr. will join returning judges, Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban.

And, over the past few seasons of American Idol, it is the one time I actually jumped for joy over the selection of a judge.

Why? So many reasons. So many!

First of all, Harry Connick Jr. is a strong-willed, complex musician who will demand and expect only the best from the singers. No wishy-washy vibe will spillover from him. He is going to push those singers to achieve their very best.

Second of all, he is no pushover, so good luck trying to get him to bark like a dog and do sit-ups or whatever over a singer he does not believe in just because the producers tell him to do so.

Not. Going. To. Happen. In. A. Million. Years!

Thirdly, he will add spice and pizzazz at that judges table, so get ready for some entertaining sparks to fly.

For example, do you remember that showdown last season between Harry Connick Jr. and judge Randy Jackson? Harry was guest mentor for the Top 4 show. Randy suggested that, perhaps, Kree Harrison should have performed a. bluesier Etta James version of “Stormy Weather,” while Harry, who was more concerned that the Top 4 connected with the original melodic structure of the standards, disagreed.

Some sort of awkward argument ensued between Randy and Harry, making poor Kree look like an outsider in the process when it really was all about her.

Expect more of the same, especially if Randy Jackson has indeed taken on Jimmy Iovine’s role as mentor to the singers each week.

So, all in all, I am pretty happy with the way this judges’ table has played out, although I would have preferred an Adam Lambert/Jennifer Hudson/Harry Connick Jr. combo.

What do y’all think?

American Idol, American Idol Season 13

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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11 Responses to “American Idol Finds Its Third Judge. Are You Wild About Harry?”

  1. Heidijoy (@Heidijoy5) August 31, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    Very Happy with the selection of Harry Connick JR. Professional, Assertive, appropriately demanding, natural teacher, and everything you said Masterclasslady. He will be solid.
    Not sure why Jennifer is back and hope she’s drops the “goosies” She herself lipsynchs when she performs. She looks good!!
    Like Keith, although he does show favoritism and succumbs to what Producers want, I suspect. Harry should help with that!!

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  2. Masterclass Lady August 31, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    I think Keith’s true vision as a judge was swallowed with all the Nikki – Mariah thing happening each week. Plus 3 judges are enormously more productive than 4. Faster moving show and more time to focus on the singers.

    Thanks for stopping by Heidi!

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  3. janey79 August 31, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    Perhaps the presence oh Harry will force JLo to step up her game. One can only hope, lol.

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  4. janey79 August 31, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    ~ of

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  5. Masterclass Lady August 31, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    Janey – yes, that is what I was thinking. One can only hope!!

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  6. Sue August 31, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    “I would have preferred an Adam Lambert/Jennifer Hudson/Harry Connick Jr. combo.” So would I!

    Looking forward to Candice’s upcoming CD.

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  7. Kariann Hart September 1, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    I am pleased with the chosen panel of judges for Season 13. I think there will be great chemistry between these three. Considering some of the Hip Hop/Rap names rumored, this is so much better. I think Jennifer needs to step up her game and no more “goosies”, please. Harry is a good choice. I think with this better panel of three, Keith will be a much better judge. I am excited about Season 13 – now get us some terrific contestants who are unique and talented!

    Sue, I am hoping Candice’s album will be a winner!

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  8. louise September 2, 2013 at 2:47 pm

    Pleased to hear this about Harry and Keith. Not so sure about having Jennifer return, but she is certainly not as annoying as Nicki was.

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  9. Masterclass Lady September 2, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Thanks everyone. I am not thrilled about Jennifer returning. Not at all. I think they went to her because she is familiar with the process, as is Keith and, to some extent, Harry. Jennifer Hudson would have been my preference.

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  10. louise September 2, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    I agree with you about Jennifer Hudson.

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